Sisters Jadyn, 19, and Luca Oks, 15, have been accepted for a dance programme in New York, but their family needs help to get them there.
A New York dance school has accepted two Eoan Group School of Performing Arts dance students for a five-week training programme.
Sisters Jadyn, 19, and Luca Oks, 15, aced their audition video to secure a spot at The Ailey School, the official school of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.
The Eoan Group’s dance director, Abeedah Medell, said she had been driven to tears of joy when she heard that both sisters had been accepted into the programme.
“When we started this year, I asked our dancers to do research on which international dance schools or academies they would like to attend. The Alvin Ailey school was among those Jadyn and Luca chose. They had to do a video audition to show their modern dance and ballet skills. It makes me so happy to know that they will make the Eoan Group so proud,” Ms Medell said.
But the sisters will need to raise R150 000 if they want to join the dance programme, which starts in June.
The girls’ mother, Janet Oks, said they had started a Back-a-Buddy campaign with the help of the Eoan Group.
Both sisters started at the Eoan Group 10 years ago.
Ms Oks said: “I see how hard they work. They have shown so much dedication and commitment, and at times they are in physical pain for their craft. As their parents, we can see their growth and we celebrate their achievements. I am grateful to the Eoan Group for all their support and guidance and for allowing them to dream and the courage to chase their dreams.”
Jadyn said she had always loved dance, “but didn’t know enough about it”. She added: “As my knowledge grew, I have seen a different part of it, and I want to be part of the industry now. I see myself making a career out of dance.”
Luca said she “just wanted to learn ballet”.
“I watched my sister dance, and our mom would take us to shows and it was by observing them that I was inspired. I wanted to achieve and I wanted to do better.”
Apart from the five-week training, The Ailey School also offered Jadyn a year-long programme, but this too needs to be self-funded.
The girls’ father, Charlton Oks, said: “Their whole journey has just been amazing. We are so appreciative of all the opportunities, and all the ‘little things’ Ms Medell does. We are ecstatic. They work hard and we are proud of them. They’ve shown a lot of dedication.”
Ms Medell appealed to the public to help the sisters.
“This institution was built for Cape Town, where children are allowed to chase their dreams. We are appealing to everybody to help us make the impossible possible.”
If you can assist, contact the Eoan Group at 021 637 1268.